Settlement Guide: Living with a Disability in Australia - 7 tips for accessing services

The National Disability Insurance Scheme gives people with disability choice and control over the support they need for a fulfilling life.

A family who are NDIS ready for the National Disability Insurance Scheme Source: National Disability Insurance Agency

Here are 7 facts you need to know about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The NDIS is being introduced progressively around Australia from July 2016

Set up by the Labor government in 2012,it is estimated the full rollout will be completed by 2019.  For example, in NSW the majority of people currently receiving specialist disability supports will be able to access the NDIS in the first six months of each of the two year rollout periods, using a simplified access process.

The NDIS takes a lifetime approach, investing in people with disability early to improve their outcomes later in life

An NDIS plan tailored to your individual needs will be developed to help you achieve your goals. First think about what you need then meet your NDIS planner and develop your plan.

Jack - an early enlister in the National Disability Insurance Scheme Source: National Disability Insurance Agency

To be eligible to enter the scheme you must have a permanent disability that significantly affects your ability to take part in everyday activities

You must be an Australian citizen or hold a permanent visa or Protected Special Category visa

Australian Visa Source: Visareporter

You must be aged less than 65 and live in Australia where the scheme is available

A participant in the NDIS Source: National Disability Insurance Agency

The NDIS is being implemented by the Commonwealth’s National Disability Insurance Agency

For example, in Victoria if you currently access services you will be contacted by the NDIA to discuss the process of entering the NDIS.

Source: National Disability Insurance Agency

You need to get in touch with the NDIA directly in your local area

The Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities is one of the organisations registered to deliver the scheme. It also offers an advocacy support program where people can get support directly for the pre-planning process.

Aran, a participant in the NDIS Source: National Disability Insurance Agency

For more on preparing the NDIS in Victoria and NDIS in NSW. To find out more about the rollout in your area visit NDIS or call 1800 800 110. Information is also available in different languages.

For people with hearing or speech loss TTY: 1800 555 677

Speak and Listen: 1800 555 727

For translation and interpreting services TIS: 131 450

Find on Facebook/NDISAus or on Twitter @NDIS